Page 86 of Broken Rivalry

She waves him off, but she really does, though. The few weeks in this house changed everything. She has stable hours and a stable salary. She’s putting weight on like I am; her dark circles are gone, and her skin is no longer gray.

“These are for you,” he stammers, probably as taken aback as I am, as he extends the flowers and the chocolate toward her.

“Oh, these are stunning!” She brings the flowers to her nose and inhales their fragrance. “Take off your coats and come with me to the kitchen. I need to put them in water.”

Ethan throws me a confused look as we take off our coats, and I shrug.

“I don’t know,” I mouth to him.

We follow her into the kitchen, which smells of freshly baked cookies.

“Sit down, please. Do you want something to drink?”

“No, I’m fine, Mrs. Donovan.”

“Please, call me Julia.”

What the actual hell?!

“The boys and their friends are in the attic, playing with the old gaming console. But judging by that big package in your hand, I think James might be getting the new one he’s been wanting so badly,” she says with a wink to Ethan.

He grins, holding up the package. “Mind if I surprise him?”

“Of course I don’t. That’s very generous of you, Ethan. I bet the boys will be excited.”

“Yes, I would like that.” He looks at me as he stands up, and I smile and understand that he wants us to be alone for a while.

“Just follow the shouting, and you’ll find them,” Mom advises.

Before Ethan can make his way to the attic, Billy, wearing his favorite Batman mask, comes barreling down the stairs. He stops dead in his tracks upon seeing Ethan, pointing dramatically. “Batman!”

Ethan chuckles, bending down. “Hey there, Batman. Keeping the city safe?”

Billy nods vigorously, his eyes wide behind the mask. “But it’s a secret. Don’t tell anyone!”

“Your secret’s safe with me.” Ethan winks, tapping the side of his nose. “I’m coming up to see your brother.”

“Wait, we need food!” Billy runs into the kitchen and grabs a plate full of cookies.

Watching the exchange, warmth spreads through me. Ethan’s effort to connect with my family, especially the younger ones, means the world to me.

After a few minutes, I hear James’s excited shout from the attic, followed by a chorus of cheers. I can’t help but smile, imagining the look on my little brother’s face when he saw the new console.

Mom shakes her head and turns toward me. Once again, I expect her to frown or cry or something, but she keeps her genuine smile on.

She pours the tea, and the familiar aroma of elderflower fills the room, bringing back memories. “I remember how much you love this one,” she says, her voice gentle.

I take a moment, watching her every move, searching for any sign of her true feelings. “Aren’t you going to say anything?”

“About what?” she asks, walking back to the kitchen island.

“Ethan. You’re not surprised.”

She leans in, her eyes piercing mine with a knowing look. “You’ve been in love with that boy for years!” she declares, her eyebrows raised in a mix of amusement and affirmation.

I straighten up in my chair, my hands gripping the edge of the table. “Absolutely not! I-I hated him.” My voice rises defensively, my eyes darting away from hers, unable to hold her knowing gaze.

She throws me a side look and comes back with a tray of tea. “Nobody talks that much about a boy they hate, Pops. No one.”

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